Hmmm.....What Should you Wear Today?

I think most every photographer can agree that some of the most common questions and concerns we hear during consultations are "what should we wear?" or "what looks best?" Coordinating outfits can be one of the scariest parts of getting ready for family, couple or even group photos. It doesn't have to be a monster though that you avoid until the day before your shoot scurrying around the house between everyones closets. Let me break it down into a few very simple steps that will have anyone becoming a fashionista!

1. Color palette-Take a few things into consideration. What colors do you want hanging on the wall? Red white and blue can be great for  photos in July or red and green for Christmas, but remember you don't want Christmas photos up all year long! 

2. Don't forget to go through your closets before you head to the mall. You'll be surprised what you can find in everyones closet! Sometimes clients only end up buying one item instead of a new top, new pants for everyone! A great way to save some money :)

3.Start with a pattern top or dress-this can be dads shirt, moms dress or a kiddos top or dress. Use this clothing to find everyone outfits to coordinate! Sticking with only 1 pattern is always safe. Too many people in patterns can begin to get messy and overwhelming.  

If you are doing a large family photo think about this, maybe you don't want 1 person to wear a pattern top, but you CAN use that top as inspiration for the groups outfits.

                        

*notice in each row 1 top is patterned

4. If you REALLY can't find matching shoes and your doing an outdoor shoot in the grass, no sweat! Bare feet for everyone can make things a little more casual and comfortable.

5. Don't be scared to layer! Adding a scarf, bow, headband, nail polish,jewelry,  jacket or sweater can really take it up a notch! One more tip about nail polish, make sure its all on or all off the day of pictures, chipped nail polish can become very noticeable.

6. Remember to be comfortable. I know people say "beauty is pain" but I have to disagree. If you wear something that doesn't feel right, its gong to show in your photos. And don't forget the kiddos too! If it doesn't look comfortable and they don't like it, its really going to effect their mood on picture day.